Texas-born automotive industry professional Rahim Hassanally looks back on his career highlights and achievements to date.
From being named an Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year’ to making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list, celebrated automotive industry figure Rahim Hassanally has enjoyed a prosperous, decades-long career, during which time he also graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Academy. Based between California and Texas, Hassanally reflects on more than 20 years of professional experience and success.
After more than two decades working in the automotive industry, Rahim Hassanally has received numerous prestigious accolades and has been further widely praised for his charitable efforts, both in a professional and personal context. Perhaps his most notable piece of professional recognition, however, he says, centers around making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list.
“Making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40′ list was an incredible feeling,” explains Hassanally, “and one which I’ll never forget.”
The annual list highlights those aged under 40 who are making a significant impact at new car dealerships across the United States, according to the automotive industry professional.
Each year, Automotive News selects an annual class of so-called ’40 Under 40’ honorees from throughout the automotive retailing sector. They then profile the honorees in print and celebrate their accomplishments during an exclusive luncheon, the next of which is to be held at the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in February 2020.
Hassanally is also an Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’
Celebrating diversity within the U.S. automotive industry, each year the Urban Wheel Awards presents successful businesses and individuals with a variety of prestigious accolades, including ‘Urban Wheel Pioneer’ and ‘Company of the Year,’ among others. National Automobile Dealers Association Academy graduate Hassanally was one of three individuals to scoop an ‘Urban Dealer of the Year’ award as part of the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards. Each a member of a different minority group, he was joined by fellow winners Manuel Gonzalez and Dorian Boyland in collecting his award.
A Governor of California appointed board member, Hassanally is also part of his local Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board. “As an automotive industry professional, I’m extremely proud to be part of the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board,” says Hassanally, who’s also involved with the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation, again Governor of California appointed.
The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board, whose mission is to enhance relations between dealers and manufacturers by resolving disputes in the new motor vehicle industry both fairly and efficiently, also provides a simple, no-cost dispute resolution program for consumers, according to Hassanally. “Furthermore,” he adds, wrapping up, “I’m also a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and have been for more than a decade now.”
Presided over by Damon Lester, the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers represents ethnic minority automobile dealers throughout the United States.
An accomplished sportsman, Texas-native Rahim Hassanally is a keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, and a supporter of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, charities, and other good causes. These include his local homeless shelters, air force base, and national and international disaster relief efforts, including raising funds for, and offering support to, those impacted by last year’s devastating California wildfires.
